16. Riez Open Air 2014

SICK OF IT ALL

HARDCORE (USA)

SICK OF IT ALL

HARDCORE (USA)

As one of the longest standing bands still proudly waving the flag of New York Hardcore, Sick Of It All have made their mark as one of the cornerstones of NYHC, proving that heart, hard work and dedication to hardcore is about more than just the music and an image, it’s a way of life.

The four-piece will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2006 and coinciding with that monumental event is the release of the bands 9th full-length record (not including several EPs, singles and live recordings). The upcoming record, entitled Death To Tyrants, will be released early 2006 and shows the band is nowhere near slowing down.

“This is a landmark album for us, so it's important for it to be strong and heavy,” says drummer Armand Majidi. “Although the songs growl in a new way, they're SOIA through and through, with something to offer all our fans from every era. There's a political slant to a number of songs, because of the more desperate world view we have nowadays, but we still share personal experiences, philosophies and moods that we hope everyone can relate to.”

This socially driven attitude and message is something that’s always kept the band close with their fanbase from the very beginning. Originally formed by brothers Lou and Pete Koller in the mid-'80s, Sick Of It All set the tone of their music and ideology by offering a no-frills view of the world around them. Often revolving around politics, social injustices and life on streets in New York, the band wore their views on their sleeve and made no apologies, often times attempting to turn the tables to include thread of positivity, a hope for change and improvement.

Not long after forming, the band released their first self-titled EP on Revelation Records and began to accumulate a strong local following after playing infamous clubs like CBGBs. Their first full-length record, Blood Sweat And No Tears (Combat Records), took the band on their first national tour, after which there was no stopping them. When their second album Just Look Around was released in 1992, it was a benchmark for the band and the New York hardcore scene. The band recruited bass player Craig Ahead during this time who joined them on international tours to both Europe and Japan, while the record helped revitalized the scene and bolster NYHC pride among their contemporaries. The mid-90s saw the band go the majors as they released their breakthrough-album Scratch The Surface in 1994 on Atlantic, followed by a live album and a collection of rarities before they released their seminal record Built To Last in 1997. During this time the band continued to tour relentlessly, even hitting South and Central America.

Releasing three albums on Fat Wreck Chords, as well as a live album and a collection of rarities, the band kept spreading the hardcore reality all over the world, proving to be an institution of hardcore while different trends came and went. It’s this longevity and conviction that has kept the band’s reputation untarnished and legendary.

“We're lucky enough to have [a fanbase] that accepts us as we are, and who prefer their music gimmick-free and without all the pop culture bullshit,” Majidi says. “Our motivation is helped by the fact that in twenty years, we never rested on our laurels because of mainstream success. We're just as hungry as we've ever been and still have a lot to prove.”

Taking the challenge on to prove their sincerity, the band have crafted an album to prove the tired listeners and the naysayers dead wrong. Set to be recorded with Dean Baltulonis (Bouncing Souls, Give Up The Ghost, Most Precious Blood) at Atomic Studios this winter with mixing being handled by Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn), Sick Of It All are firing on all cylinders. The band’s real life dogma and hunger for excellence as a hardcore band have truly been ideals that fans from all corners of the globe passionately admire and identify with. On Death To Tyrants, the band pulls no punches and shows clearly why they are the definition of “hardcore.”

MAD CADDIES

SKA PUNK (USA)

MAD CADDIES

SKA PUNK (USA)

Hailing from the central coast of California, the mayhem-core ensemble known as the Mad Caddies came into existence in the summer of 1995. Late in 1996, having grown tired of the regular sun, sand, and surf routine, they opted to lock themselves in a barn where they could truly focus on their music. At this point in the story things could have gotten ugly. Luckily when the band reemerged from the ramshackle studio they had completed their debut album, Quality Soft Core. Punk rock pariah Fat Mike heard their music and wasted no time bringing the young upstarts aboard his label, Fat Wreck Chords. The Mad Caddies’ talents reach far beyond the boundaries of ska and punk, enabling them to throw a musical curve ball into the mix without notice. Reggae, dixie, jazz, surf, rockabilly, country and swing are all styles in which the group is well versed and aren’t afraid to inject into their unique brand of rock. The members of the Mad Caddies are as diverse as the music they perform but their most notable member is lead vocalist Chuck. Despite his penchant for booze and all things smokable, Chuck’s amazing voice prevails and his crooning could make even Morrissey blush. The band has toured the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan countless times, including stints on ‘97, ‘98, ‘00, ‘03 Warped Tours and both the Euro and American Fat Tours of 2000. With 6 studio albums and 1 live record already to their credit the MADCADDIES realized it was high time to compile a list of favorites, which is exactly what they did with Consentual Selections. Think about it, the lifestyle of the Mad Caddiesconsists of travelling around the country, making port in unfamiliar towns, causing trouble, imbibing spirits and random pillaging. Over the course of their career the MAD CADDIES have crafted an exclusive genre of music, separating them from the masses of carbon copy bands. Combining elements of punk, ska, roots reggae, country and even Dixeland jazz, the MAD CADDIES’ music stands alone as truly exceptional. Guided by polished vocals, their songs echo an ethos of fun-loving laid back living. The lively and sometimes jovial nature of their music paired with the band members’ remarkable musicianship and endearing stage manner, has helped to amass a thriving and loyal fan base. As a band strongly connected with their audience, they opted to let their faithful followers weigh in on which tracks should appear on this collection by actually voting for their favorites. This is a unique approach when compiling a “greatest hits” album, but when considered, is quite possibly the most sensible. Not only is Consentual Selections a collection of 22 bona fide hit songs that would delight even the casual listener, it also features 2 brand new tracks to boot. In addition, the packaging and booklet boast a track by track commentary written by the MAD CADDIES and over 150 photos. Basically, Consentual Selections is essential listening for the uninitiated fan and die-hard fan alike.

BIOHAZARD

ROCK, METAL, HARDCORE (USA)

BIOHAZARD

ROCK, METAL, HARDCORE (USA)

With their unique mixture of Hardcore, Metal and Groove/Rap, BIOHAZARD crested the Mount Olympus of the international Hardcore and Metal scene at the beginning of the 90s. What started out with »Biohazard« (1990) found its worthy continuation in »Urban Discipline« (1992) and »State Of The World Address« (1994). Of »Urban Discipline« over one million pieces were sold. With ´Punishment´ it contained the biggest hit of the band’s history to date and it made the boys from Brooklyn become internationally acclaimed superstars. In 1995, guitarist Bobby Hambel left the band, but the fans stuck to their guns and vehemently demanded a reunion in the subsequent years – with success. Early 2008 the original bandmembers Billy Graziadei, Danny Schuler, Bobby Hambel and Evan Seinfeld got it together and rehearsed together for the first time in many years, which entailed only positive feedback. Billy Graziadei for example put on record: “Being in the same room with my old friends kicked ass!“ Danny Schuler added that all of them were highly delighted at the fact that all of the old quarrels were settled – life was too short for conflicts like that anyhow. In 2009 BIOHAZARD played some highly celebrated shows in their original line-up. “It felt as if we had never quit. We stood on stage and felt just like back in the days. This very energy allowed us to write new songs together“, commented Billy. BIOHAZARD signed a contract with Nuclear Blast and went into the studio with Toby Wright (SLAYER, ALICE IN CHAINS, FEAR FACTORY, SOULFLY) to work on the ninth album. The result is »Reborn In Defiance« - the fulminant comeback of the Hardcore veterans, which will both enthrall old and new fans from the 20th of January on. Even though the exit of Evan Seinfeld – former bass player and singer of the band – came by surprise, it couldn’t put a damper on BIOHAZARD’s booming tendency. BIOHAZARD are back – with well-tried qualities yet still stronger than ever!

DEEZ NUTS

PARTY HARDCORE (AU)

DEEZ NUTS

PARTY HARDCORE (AU)

“Everyday I never stray from the path that I’ve chosen never cared I’m the loose thread, in the tapestry this world has woven Gravitate towards the ones, who share a like mind. If that ain’t you stay out my lane ill stay out yours we’ll be fine.”

Everything about Deez Nuts and their frontman / founder, JJ Peters, can almost be simplified down to these four lines. It is tucked away towards the back of their new and third album ‘Bout It’, which is without any doubt the best record their now infamous career. And the track, “Live Your Life”, just reiterates the point that the haters seem to miss, but also that makes the true fan love them more with every fist pumping anthem they produce. The point is that Deez Nuts are gonna do things their way and they don’t give a fuck if you disagree.

The four piece finally has it’s most stable line up in years – JJ Peters is joined by fellow Australian Jon Green on bass, while Mat “Realbad” Rogers and Alex Salinger (both from New York City) play Guitar and Drums, respectively. The lineup has been together for the better part of two years after a slew of short and long stays by members from all over the world – all of whom are part of JJ’s crew of international like minded friends who have been down for the ride at one time or another.

The Deez Nuts back story is anything but secret for anyone in the know, but it’s a history lesson worth retelling now that we are seven years deep. In 2005, the highly influential metalcore band I Killed The Prom Queen had broken up, and it’s founding member JJ Peters decided to do something new to kill his time. He wrote and recording every instrument on a few tracks and filled it with tongue-in-cheek truth bombs about anything that crossed his mind. At the time, it was a fun one-off project for him to speak his mind and do something his friends would enjoy. But the catchy lyrics and big New York Hardcore riffs had an edge to them that no one expected, and lyrics about sex, brotherhood and drinking had people talking right away.

Not long after that, when Peters released the tracks as the ‘Rep Your Hood’ EP and featured himself on the cover drinking liquor amongst a host of tasteful women, the polarising Deez Nuts project really got it’s legs. Peters put together a makeshift band full of friends from other groups, and took the show on the road, and before long what was once a bit of fun became more like a shitload of fun – a full time, worldwide touring act that released anthems and united everyone. Different members came and went, playing this tour and that, while JJ pumped out two albums (2008′s ‘Stay True’ and 2010′s ‘This One’s For You’) between tours. Each album kept the same theme running – expanding on his lyrical thoughts, letting the music and words do the talking and making sure anyone who felt the same way as him had anthems to scream while they got through their lives.

The music has been pumped out, and the tours have been non-stop – hitting all over the world in small rooms and massive venues. From Europe to Asia to the USA and of course Australia, Deez Nuts has crammed into vans and played hundreds upon hundreds of shows with some of the best hardcore bands of all time. Friendships have grown all over the world and thousands of tattoos inspired by the band and it’s own subculture-within-a-subculture have been inked from Russia to California to Indonesia and everywhere in between.

Six years later, Deez Nuts in it’s current form is the same thing it always has been. It’s candid lyrics that say whatever they want. It’s fun shit and songs that are simple and catchy, but original in their unrelenting ability to catch your attention. It’s fist-pumping, free-thinking hardcore that embraces everything it cares to embrace. And it’s empowering to anyone who feels like they don’t want to walk the same walk with everyone else.

But this time around there IS a difference. It’s that ‘Bout It’ is the most amount of energy and time Deez Nuts has put in to making that classic record to make their mark with. The now full-time members have all added their talents, and producer Shane Frisby has taken the time to make sure the sound is as heavy as shit for the fans. Peters and his Band of Brothers have even enlisted help in the form of guest appearances from everyone from Architects to Madball to Suicide Silence to Hatebreed and many more.

From party songs like the already released singles “Band Of Brothers” and “Shot After Shot”, to anthems inspired by a life of living your own dreams in “Keep On” and the previously quoted “Live Your Life” and even some skits and public service announcements friends inside the now massive Deez Nuts family – all of it makes up an album that is set to go down as one of the coolest hardcore records of the modern era.

And in case you were wondering what they think if you disagree, here is some words directed to the haters.

“So kill the bitchin and listen, you cant you deny that we’re on fire.If your rebuttal is muddled, its cause my IQ is higher.Be lying if i said i gave fuck regardless, for every 1 that hates 100 adore us, we are unfuckwithable!”

AUTHORITY ZERO

PUNKROCK (USA)

AUTHORITY ZERO

PUNKROCK (USA)

Mesa, AZ based punk rock royalty AUTHORITY ZERO has managed to weather the music industry storm and endure living on the road away from friends and loved ones for almost 2 decades. With four studio albums under their belt, two live acoustic albums, and two EP’s, they appear to be just getting started. Over the past few years the band has broke ground internationally, beginning with shows in Japan, followed by performances at Belgium’s legendary Groezrock, Spain’s Resurrection Fest and UK’s Rebellion Fest amongst countless other European festivals. With tours through Russia and Australia in the works, AUTHORITY ZERO continues to seek new destinations to spread their live show and music.

Initially their goal was simple; create a sound that paid tribute to their punk rock forefathers, but not confined by the musical barriers that typically bound the genre together. Now,18 years later, they have just wrapped on their fifth full-length studio album. Named after the Malcolm Gladwell book, The Tipping Point was recorded with producer Cameron Webb (Pennywise, Social Distortion, Motorhead etc.) at Maple Studios in California. Their latest effort pays tribute to their punk rock forefathers while expanding their musical boundaries into unconventional reggae and rock tinges beyond the typical punk rock aesthetics, creating a whirlwind rock album that will undoubtedly take listeners by storm.

The new album is set to be released on April 2nd via Hardline Entertainment-US/Canada/Japan, Concrete Jungle-Europe/UK and 3wise Records-Australia and will be followed by a heavy touring schedule around the globe. Lead Singer and Front Man, Jason DeVore says “The excitement and anticipation for the new album The Tipping Point that I have is unparalleled,” says vocalist Jason DeVore. “The closest thing I can think of is how I felt when we first released A Passage In Time so many years ago. You feel you’re really doing something right when you and the members of your band are rocking out to it like it’s their new favorite album that just came out. That’s how it should feel. The energy, the intensity, and collaborative sounds along with a new realm of production working with Cameron Webb has made it extremely intense. It’s a taste of the old school and slingshots into new areas and veins of music we have yet to tap into. We’ve also incorporated some surprise elements. It’s an album based on the idea of tipping the scales, unity, causing a ruckus while forging on, and the history and future of all who have been involved and will be for years to come. We’re fired up.”

Eighteen years into their storied career began and Authority Zero has seen their fair share of ups-and-downs. After original guitarist and longtime friend Bill Marcks left the band in 2008, members have seemed to come and go, but the band and music has carried on. Recently, after the release of their last album, Stories of Survival, guitarist Zach Vogel departed the band to return to his home in Wisconsin for more family time. Shortly after that and with the turn of the New Year in 2011, long time friend and drummer Jim Wilcox also left the band to pursue other endeavors.

At this point, many bands would have folded under the pressure of lineup changes and setbacks, but the rest of the band carried on by inviting new recruits and Amarillo, TX native Brandon Landelius on guitar along with legendary punk drummer, Sean Sellers (Good Riddance, Real McKenzies) on drums to restructure and complete the group. With their fifth studio album The Tipping Point, Authority Zero is determined to carry on with perseverance and dedication to spread their music and message to fans around the globe.

ATLAS LOSING GRIP

PUNKROCK (SWE)

ATLAS LOSING GRIP

PUNKROCK (SWE)

In 2005, when the melodic punk-scene in Sweden was almost completely dead, they appeared. Atlas Losing Grip rose from the ashes and their debut-album "Shut the World Out" took them touring around Europe.

Satanic Surfers lead singer and frontman Rodrigo Alfaro, who had appeared as a guest vocalist on the debut-album, was recruited in 2008. Things fell into place and the group was completed. As a five-piece they recorded the MCD îWatching the Horizonî. The result? Five brilliant tracks. And for the first time in a years, Swedish punk rock felt alive and real.

The band toured all over Europe and supported Bad Religion on a few Scandinavian dates before starting to work on their next album îState of Unrestî, which was released in May 2011.

'State of Unrest' has been praised by the press and the success of the album has taken Atlas Losing Grip out on the road again like never before.

After playing 87 shows in 2011, came the release of a s/t 7" which featured two acoustic versions of songs from 'State of Unrest' and the song 'Act Your Rage' which was meant to be on 'State of Unrest', but never made it all the way.

2012 will see more shows and festivals and the writing and recording of the follow up to 'State of Unrest'!

TIM VANTOL + Band

FOLK, ACOUSTIC (NL)

TIM VANTOL + Band

FOLK, ACOUSTIC (NL)

Playing in various punkrock and hardcore bands Tim toughened up a bit, but during soundchecks you could often catch him singing them sing along accoustic songs. How deep those songs went became obvious when he started to write his own accoustic music. They seem to be drenched in the familiar smell of morning breath still dieing from last night’s whiskey and really, it never smelled this good. Showing off his urge to be living life just a little bit more than we have been doing lately and a restlessness that makes today’s youth look like a bunch of old men playing dominoes in the park, here’s a guy who’ll put it in the face of anyone willing to listen.

THE BRAINS

PSYCHOBILLY (CAN)

THE BRAINS

PSYCHOBILLY (CAN)

More Brrraaaaaiiinnnsss!!! What is the zombie’s favorite food ? Yeah right, fresh, bloody and juice brains! That must have been the reason for this three insane and crazy guys to found the horrorpunk-psychobilly band The Brains in 2002 in Montreal. The Brains are Renè De La Muerte, who sings and plays guitar, and Johnny Montreal (contrabass) and drummer Franck O’ Brains. Johnny and Franck also played in The Ripcordz before. 2005 The Brains released their first record called “No Pain No Brain” It was an excellent mixture of punk and psychobilly what made the girls dance and the guys being a zombie – so did The Brains. In Germany their debut record was also releases by Crazy Love Records. After that a lot of shows and tour dates with such great bands as The Creepshow or Devil ‘s Hotrod took place in the band history. Then they released the records “Hell ‘N Back”, “The Brains” and “Zombie Nation”. On “Zombie Nation” from 2010 Collin The Dead replaced Johnny Montreal on contrabass. In 2011 they released their last record up to now called “Drunk Not Dead”. At this point the band also changed their drummer. Matt Kadavar is the new guy on the drums. They also decided to involve a second guitar player. This gap is filled by Brad Graves. Now the strong and bloody quartet from Canada is back with their newest record. “The Monster Within” will fear you to death and show The Brains from their most shocking and insane, but also from their best and evil side. Their new record will be released in April 2013.

USELESS ID

PUNKROCK (ISR)

USELESS ID

PUNKROCK (ISR)

There's probably nothing quite as punk rock as being a punk in the Middle East and Israeli miscreants Useless ID are the long standing ambassadors of Middle Eastern punk rock to the rest of the world. Armed with eighteen years of experience and a tour history that includes such out of the way spots as China, Belarus and even Siberia, these boys from Haifa City have finally found a home with long time friends Fat Wreck Chords and together they're bringing you Symptoms, the latest and greatest entry from these four desert punks on February 14th, so this year, forget the chocolates and roses and get your sweetie some good old fashioned punk rock, Middle Eastern style.

RISK IT

HARDCORE (D)

RISK IT

HARDCORE (D)

In 2009 founded 5 piece outfit from East Germany which plays pure and powerful Hardcore with rage and attitude. After the ‘Leave A Mark’ 7inch followed in April 2012 their debut record ‘Who’s Foolin’ Who’ on Farewell Records which brought the band to another level. After constant touring and shows all over Europe, RI! released their latest strike ‘The Only Thing’ in Summer 2013. This band connect energy and sincerity in their music, no compromises just Hardcore!

EVERGREEN TERRACE

MELODIC HARDCORE (USA)

EVERGREEN TERRACE

MELODIC HARDCORE (USA)

Evergreen Terrace has been blazing their own path through the melodic hardcore scene for over a decade. Anchored by guitarist/singer Craig Chaney's clean vocals, punctuated by lead singer Andrew Carey's viciously screamed vocals. Evergreen Terrace parted ways with founding guitarist Josh James, drummer Caleb James, and left Metal Blade Records in 2012. Former bass player, Jason Southwell, rejoined the band at the end of 2012, moving Alex Varian from bass to guitar. Drummer Brad Moxey filled out the lineup on drums. In 2013, the band signed with Rise Records and recently finished tracking their Rise debut entitled "Dead Horses" produced by Stan Martell of Martell Studios in Kingsland, Ga, and is planning a fall/winter 2013 release. The Florida-born five-piece never depended on anyone to push them forward. With their blistering combination of melodic hardcore, metal and punk rock, Evergreen Terrace has toured the world with As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, Hatebreed, Rise Against, Circa Survive, Every Time I Die, Strung Out, Agnostic Front, Katy Perry, New Found Glory and more. They have jammed tours like Sounds of the Underground, Vans Warped Tour, Persistence Tour, Hell on Earth Tour, Thrash and Burn Tour and Soundwave Festivals. Known for their intense live performances, a Evergreen Terrace show is not a show to miss.